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Admission Guide

UCLA vs. UC Berkeley, Which College is Better?

February 11, 2025 6 Mins Read
Updated On: May 22, 2025
UCLA vs UC Berkeley

Table of Contents

  • Overview 
  • UCLA vs. UC Berkeley – Admission Process 
  • UCLA vs. UC Berkeley – Rankings 
  • UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Scholarships 
  • UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Return on Investment (ROI) 
  • Conclusion 
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Which university is better, UCLA or UC Berkeley?
      • Is UCLA or UC Berkeley harder to get into?
      • Does UCLA or UC Berkeley have a higher ranking?
      • What are the GPA requirements for UCLA and UC Berkeley?

Choosing between UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) and UC Berkeley (University of California, Berkeley) is a significant decision for students considering top-tier public universities in the United States. UCLA, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is known for its vibrant campus life, proximity to the entertainment industry, and strengths in social sciences, humanities, and healthcare fields. On the other hand, UC Berkeley, situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, has a reputation for its STEM programs, business school, and strong entrepreneurial culture, particularly in technology and engineering. This comprehensive guide will compare UCLA vs. UC Berkeley in terms of admissions, rankings, scholarships, return on investment (ROI), and overall student experience, helping prospective students determine the best fit for their education and future aspirations.

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Overview 

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) are two of the most prestigious public universities in the United States. As part of the University of California system, both institutions consistently rank among the top universities worldwide for academic excellence, research contributions, and global impact. While they share a strong academic reputation, each university offers distinct campus experiences, strengths, and opportunities. Below is a comprehensive comparison of UCLA and UC Berkeley based on key institutional features: 

Feature UCLA UC Berkeley 
Location Los Angeles, California Berkeley, California 
Founding Year 1919 1868 
Total Enrollment Approximately 45,000 students Approximately 42,000 students 
Undergraduate Enrollment Around 31,000 students Around 30,000 students 
Graduate Enrollment About 14,000 students About 12,000 students 
Number of Schools/Colleges 12 14 
Faculty-to-Student Ratio 18:1 19:1 
Popular Majors Biology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Sociology Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, Environmental Science 
Research Funding Over $1.7 billion annually Over $1 billion annually 
Notable Research Centers UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Anderson Forecast, Institute for Society and Genetics Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Haas School of Business, Goldman School of Public Policy 
Endowment (2025) Approximately $7.8 billion Approximately $7.5 billion 
Famous Alumni Francis Ford Coppola, James Franco, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jackie Robinson, Kal Penn Steve Wozniak, Chris Pine, Kamala Harris, Eric Schmidt, Jennifer Granholm 
Ranking (QS World University 2025) Ranked 44th globally Ranked 27th globally 
Average Class Size 30-40 students for undergrad courses 35-45 students for undergrad courses 
Tuition (In-State 2024-2025) Approximately $13,258 per year Approximately $14,226 per year 
Tuition (Out-of-State 2024-2025) Approximately $43,012 per year Approximately $44,008 per year 

UCLA vs. UC Berkeley – Admission Process 

Gaining admission to UCLA and UC Berkeley is highly competitive, as both universities attract thousands of top-performing students from around the world. As part of the University of California (UC) system, both schools follow a holistic admissions process that evaluates students beyond just academics. This means they consider extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, personal statements, and special talents in addition to GPA and coursework. Neither university requires SAT or ACT scores for admission as they have adopted a test-free policy for California residents and out-of-state applicants. Below is a detailed comparison of the admission process for UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: 

Admission Aspect UCLA UC Berkeley 
Acceptance Rate (2025) Approximately 11% Approximately 14% 
Total Applications (2025) Over 149,000 applications received Over 125,000 applications received 
Average GPA of Admitted Students 4.18 (weighted) 4.15 (weighted) 
Minimum GPA Requirement (for CA Residents) 3.0 (minimum for CA residents) 3.0 (minimum for CA residents) 
Minimum GPA Requirement (for Non-Residents) 3.4 (minimum for out-of-state applicants) 3.4 (minimum for out-of-state applicants) 
Additional Requirements for Certain Majors Some majors (e.g., Film, Architecture) require portfolios Some majors (e.g., Business, Engineering) require additional supplements 
Admission Review Process Holistic approach: Evaluates coursework rigor, achievements, leadership, and personal background Holistic approach: Considers intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability, and passion for learning 
International Student Requirements English Proficiency Test (TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.0) English Proficiency Test (TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.0) 
Application Fee $80 per UC school $80 per UC school 

UCLA vs. UC Berkeley – Rankings 

UCLA and UC Berkeley are two of the highest-ranked public universities in the United States and globally, consistently recognized for their academic excellence, research impact, and career outcomes. UC Berkeley often ranks higher globally due to its strong research output, faculty achievements, and its reputation in fields like engineering, business, and technology. UCLA tends to rank higher nationally in undergraduate education, social mobility, and student satisfaction, making it a strong choice for well-rounded student experiences. Below is a detailed comparison of UCLA vs. UC Berkeley rankings for 2025: 

Ranking Source UCLA Ranking (2025) UC Berkeley Ranking (2025) 
U.S. News & World Report (National Universities) Ranked #15 in the U.S. – Strong focus on student experience and social mobility Ranked #17 in the U.S. – Highly ranked for research and faculty achievements 
U.S. News & World Report (Best Public Universities) Ranked #1 – Best public university in the U.S. for the last seven years Ranked #2 – Second-best public university in the U.S. 
QS World University Rankings 2025 Ranked #29 globally – Known for medical research and social sciences Ranked #10 globally – Excels in engineering, computer science, and entrepreneurship 
Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Ranked #18 globally – Recognized for campus diversity and innovation Ranked #9 globally – Recognized for research impact and faculty excellence 
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2025 Ranked #13 in the U.S., #32 globally Ranked #6 in the U.S., #5 globally 
Forbes Best Public Universities 2025 Ranked #2 in the U.S. Ranked #1 in the U.S. 
PitchBook University Rankings (Startup Success) Ranked #4 globally – Strong presence in tech startups and venture capital Ranked #1 globally – More venture-backed startups than any other university 
CWUR Rankings 2025 Ranked #21 globally Ranked #9 globally 
SCImago Institutions Rankings (Research Impact) Ranked #14 globally Ranked #6 globally 
Washington Monthly National Rankings 2025 Ranked #5 in the U.S. Ranked #2 in the U.S. 

UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Scholarships 

Financing a college education is a critical concern for students and families. Fortunately, both UCLA and UC Berkeley offer extensive financial aid options, including need-based grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The University of California system ensures that students from low-income and middle-income families have access to affordable education through state and institutional aid. 

While both universities focus on need-based aid, a few merit-based scholarships are available for exceptional students. Below is a detailed comparison of scholarships and financial aid opportunities at UCLA and UC Berkeley. 

Financial Aid Aspect UCLA UC Berkeley 
Average Financial Aid Awarded $10,730 per student annually $10,677 per student annually 
Percentage of Students Receiving Aid 55% of undergraduates receive need-based aid 57% of undergraduates receive need-based aid 
Notable Scholarships – Regents Scholarship Program (merit-based)  – Alumni Scholarships  – UCLA Achievement Scholarship – Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship (merit-based)  – Fiat Lux Scholarship  – Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship 
Blue & Gold Opportunity Plan Covers tuition for California residents with family incomes under $80,000 Covers tuition for California residents with family incomes under $80,000 
Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) Available for California residents with family incomes under $217,000 Available for California residents with family incomes under $217,000 
Graduate Fellowships – UCLA Graduate Fellowships  – Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship  – Dissertation Year Fellowship – Berkeley Fellowship for Graduate Study  – Chancellor’s Fellowship  – University Graduate Fellowships 

UCLA vs. UC Berkeley: Return on Investment (ROI) 

When choosing between UCLA and UC Berkeley, it is crucial to evaluate their Return on Investment (ROI)—a measure of the financial benefits a degree provides compared to the cost of tuition. Factors such as tuition fees, student debt, career prospects, and salary potential play a significant role in determining the long-term value of a degree. 

Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are among the top public universities in the United States, producing graduates who secure high-paying jobs in various industries. UC Berkeley, with its strong connections to technology, engineering, and finance, tends to have higher early-career salaries, while UCLA graduates excel in fields like entertainment, business, healthcare, and social sciences. Below is a detailed comparison of ROI aspects, including tuition costs, salary expectations, and student debt, to help students make an informed decision. 

ROI Aspect UCLA UC Berkeley 
In-State Tuition & Fees (2024-2025) $13,258 per year $14,226 per year 
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees (2024-2025) $43,012 per year $44,008 per year 
Average Student Debt at Graduation Around $20,000 Around $18,000 
Early Career Median Salary Approximately $66,500 Approximately $77,000 
Top Employment Sectors – Entertainment & Media  – Healthcare  – Business & Finance  – Public Administration  – Technology & Engineering – Technology & Engineering  – Finance & Consulting  – Entrepreneurship  – Academia & Research  – Public Policy & Government 
Notable Employers – Disney  – NBCUniversal  – Google  – Kaiser Permanente  – PwC – Apple  – Google  – Tesla  – Goldman Sachs  – NASA 
20-Year Net ROI (Based on Earnings Potential) Approximately $850,000 Approximately $939,000 
Post-Graduation Employment Rate (Within 6 Months) Around 92% Around 94% 
Top Hiring Locations Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C. San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Seattle, New York 
Rankings in ROI & Public Universities – #2 Best Public University (U.S. News 2024-25)  – Top 5 in ROI among U.S. public universities – #1 Best Public University (U.S. News 2024-25)  – Top 3 in ROI among U.S. public universities 

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Conclusion 

Both UCLA and UC Berkeley offer exceptional educational experiences, global recognition, and strong career prospects. Regardless of which university you choose, both UCLA and UC Berkeley provide world-class education, excellent faculty, and outstanding career opportunities, ensuring that students graduate well-prepared for success in their chosen fields. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your field of study, career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences—either way, you’ll be part of a prestigious UC institution with a global impact. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Which university is better, UCLA or UC Berkeley?

Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are top-tier public universities in the U.S. The better choice depends on your academic interests and career goals—UC Berkeley is stronger in STEM, business, and technology, while UCLA excels in social sciences, humanities, and healthcare fields.

Is UCLA or UC Berkeley harder to get into?

Both universities are highly competitive:

  • UCLA Acceptance Rate (2025): ~11%

  • UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate (2025): ~14%

Does UCLA or UC Berkeley have a higher ranking?

According to 2025 rankings:

  • UC Berkeley ranks higher globally (27th in QS World Rankings).

  • UCLA ranks higher for undergraduate education and social mobility (Ranked #1 Best Public University by U.S. News).

What are the GPA requirements for UCLA and UC Berkeley?

  • California residents: Minimum 3.0 GPA

  • Out-of-state/international students: Minimum 3.4 GPA

However, admitted students typically have weighted GPAs above 4.1.

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